Search For Your Ancestors

Manatee County, Florida
Genealogy, History & Facts

Manatee County, Florida Facts

When was Manatee County, FL Created?
Manatee County was created on January 9, 1855 from Hillsborough County. This county was named for the Manatee, or sea cow, is native to Floridian waters.

What is the County Seat of Manatee County, FL?
The County Seat is located in Bradenton also, the county government website is www.mymanatee.org.

What counties are adjacent to Manatees County, FL?
Bordering Counties are Hillsborough CountyPolk CountyHardee CountyDe Soto CountySarasota County.

What cities and towns are in Manatee County, FL?
Cities and towns located in the County include Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, Palmetto.

Manatee County, FL Vital Records

Where can find Manatee County Birth, marriage, Divorce and Death Records?
Manatee County vital records can be found at the Florida Office of Vital Records which has copies of Birth & Deaths reported 1917 to present and Divorce & Marriages since June 6, 1927. There is a fee for each copy requested. Please refer to the information to the Statewide Vital Records in Florida for current fees and application process.

You can search online for Manatee County Birth, Marriage, Divorce or Death Records. You can also Order Electronically Online or can download an application for Florida Birth CertificateMarriage CertificateDivorce CertificateDeath Certificate Applications to mail.

Vital Records can also be found in the Manatee County Health Department has copies of Birth & Death certificates. Also has computer access from 1917 to present for birth records for the entire state as well as births that occurred in this county.

Manatee County, FL Census Records


What Manatee County, FL census records are available?
There are many types of census records for Manatee County guide you in researching your family tree. Federal Population Schedules are available for 186018701880 (free index)1890 (fragment)19001910192019301940.

Manatee Co. Mortality Schedules can be found for 1860, 1870 and 1880. Manatee Co. Industry and Agriculture can be obtained for 1860, 1870 and 1880. Manatee Co. Union Veterans Schedules is available for 1890. The Slave Schedules exist for 1860.

There are Florida State censuses from 1867, 1875, 1885, 1935, 1945. You can get free downloadable and also printable census forms to help you with your research. See Also Florida Census Records Research Guide

Manatee County, FL Courthouse and Government Records

Manatee County Courthouse

What genealogical records can I find in the Manatee County Courthouse?
The below facts shows exactly what death, marriage, birth, property, wills, and court records are typically in Manatee County. The years listed below are the first noted records with this county. See Also Florida Corthouse Records Research Guide.

  • Manatee County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted)
    • Address: P.O. Box 25400, Bradenton, FL 34206 or 1115 Manatee Avenue W., Bradenton, FL 34205
  • Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court / County Clerk is custodian of all records of all predecessor courts, whether justice of the peace, city, county, probate, civil, or criminal.
    • Phone: (941) 749-1800
    • Marriage Records: 1856
    • Land Records: 1843
    • Probate Records: 1857
    • Court Records: 1858
  • Manatee County Tax Collector collects all real estate taxes including postponed and delinquent, all county revenues in addition to the research and issue tax deed applications. Our department is the holder of tax records and assessed values.
  • Florida Land Records
  • BLM Land Records

Manatee County, FL Societies and Family History Resources

What genealogical and historical societies, archives, museums, associations and libraries are available for Manatee County, FL?
A list of Manatee County Historical  and Genealogical Societies, Libraries, Archives. See also list of Statewide Florida Archives, Historical & Genealogical Societies.

Where can I connect with other Manatee County, FL Researchers through message boards and forums?

What other genealogical resources are available in Manatee County, FL?
The following are web links to Genealogy, Records and Resources pertaining to Manatee County. A lot of these genealogy links fall into 3 categories: Business oriented Sites, Private Sites or Organization Sites. Some have free access some require a fee. This is just a directory which has been collected or submitted. I do not endorse or promote one genealogy site over another.

Manatee Co. FL Books, Newspapers & Publications

Manatee Co. FL Cemeteries & Church Records

Manatee Co. FL Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Manatee Co. FL General and History Websites

Manatee Co. FL Immigration & Naturalization

Manatee Co. FL Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Manatee Co. FL Military Records

Manatee Co. FL Schools & Directories